Maritime firm sails into Port

A global maritime engineering specialist is planning to move its entire UK manufacturing and assembly operations to the Port of Blyth.

Royal IHC’s Engineering Business (IHC EB), which currently runs two such facilities in the North East at Blyth and the Port of Tyne, will complete the move early next year.

The relocation has been brought about by uncertainty in the oil and gas industry, but the business says it will also allow greater flexibility.

Managing director Paul Hardisty said: “Consolidating to the Port of Blyth site supports our strategy of offering our clients a full suite of products and services to support their operational demands.

“We have taken their requirements into consideration and the new facility will offer us a greater degree of flexibility.”

The business, which has 3,000 employees at various locations, including The Netherlands, China, South Africa, India, the Middle East, Brazil, Singapore and the United States, develops design and construction activities for the maritime sector and is a global leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment.

It has worked closely with the port on existing projects.

Port of Blyth chief executive Martin Lawlor said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with IHC EB and develop future opportunities, working collaboratively for the benefit of our customers.

“This agreement also highlights Blyth’s position as a rapidly emergency offshore energy base.”